YOU can DIY

With the popularity of Pinterest and growing trends in refurbished furniture, just about anyone can take accessible and often free materials and turn them into usable organizational pieces that are one of a kind.

I think the most important thing to remember when decorating or taking on a DIY project is to be fearless and just go for it. Search for items that you love and that speak to you. Many people want a new look to a room or their home but are paralyzed by the fear that they’ll mess up or not do the right thing. Nothing is permanent when it comes to decorating. Try something out, and if you don’t love it, you can always change it.

Invest in the larger pieces that frequently get used, such as your sofas or sitting chairs. I’m all about sticking to a budget and stretching your dollar, but I love going to Habitat for Humanity Restore. You never know what you’ll find there. Occasionally, you’ll have to do some digging, but I’ve always had good luck with their lighting and old doors.

Craigslist and Goodwill are two other places I often check out if I’m looking for used furniture. If you are looking for used pieces, try to focus on the lines of a piece. Ignore the out-of-date fabric or any small scratches or imperfections in the wood. You can always sand and paint furniture that isn’t in pristine condition but is otherwise structurally sound. Most of the time recovering a cushion with new fabric is fairly simple, too. Swapping out the old hardware for new is also an easy fix.

Shop your own home. Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Something that has been in your office might look great in your living room and will give it a whole new feel. That’s why buying pieces that you’re drawn to and love is so important.

Most importantly, have fun! Play around, be bold and step outside your comfort zone. Search Pinterest or online for images that you love. Maybe you can’t do a chevron or rustic wood-paneled accent wall, but you can find a chevron vase or pillow and wood bowls or a small wood accent table that would mimic what you loved in the inspiration image.

It is possible to have a functional home that’s still beautiful and represents your family. If you’re tackling a room makeover, think about how you want this room to function for your household.

Don’t forget to add those special pieces in that represent who lives there. Create a gallery wall, and include artwork from your kids. Pull out the boxes in the attic, and go through them looking for things that you hold dear or are associated with memories. Frame a memento from your first date, or hang special pieces in shadow boxes to highlight your family’s past. When you travel, be on the lookout for something special to bring back to your home to display.

Yarhouse Fabrics: I love that we have a local store that carries modern and fresh fabrics that are also reasonably priced. There are many sewing blogs that teach you how to sew a pillow cover or drapes, and I think people would actually be surprised that those are things even a novice can do. Pillows are a simple way to pull a new color into a room to give it a fresh feel and can easily be changed out with the seasons.

Paint is powerful. Simply changing the paint color can make a dramatic difference in the feel and look of a room. Sherwin-Williams and Johnston Paint & Decorating are great options, and they both have knowledgeable staff that can help you find the perfect color to suit your needs. Johnston now carries Cottage Paint, which is a paint used specifically to paint furniture and requires no sanding or priming.

JESSE BODINE started her blog, Scout & Nimble, in fall 2011 as a way to share her love for interior design and DIY home projects. She has grown Scout & Nimble over the years and recently expanded her brand by launching a new furniture and home décor retail site, where designers from all over the country create and design rooms using products from top manufacturers for you to browse and shop. She’s passionate about helping others create beautiful, well-designed spaces within their homes that reflect their style and personality and enjoys working one on one with clients. In her free time, she loves being with her husband and two adorable boys.

website: scoutandnimble.com blog: blog.scoutandnimble.com
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